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OP-ED: Why this Black Man Proudly Supports Kamala Harris

NNPA NEWSWIRE – I believe in an aspirational America, one that celebrates rags-to-riches stories and welcomes those who dream big. VP Harris’s background as a woman of color achieving firsts speaks to who we are and, more importantly, who we can be. That’s the America I believe in, and I believe Kamala Harris can help lead us there.”

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It was a warm day in Oakland. A crowd gathered around Kamala Harris, who had just wrapped up a town hall. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, I felt small in her presence—she commanded the energy in the room. My mom, ever protective, ensured I got to the front of the line, where Harris greeted us warmly.

It was 2017, and I had recently completed a YouTube documentary on her journey from San Francisco district attorney to US Senator. Her team noticed and invited me to attend this event, solidifying my belief that she’d be a future presidential contender. Meeting her sparked a sense of possibility. “Congratulations, Mama—I know you’re so proud.” She congratulated me on my path to working in Governor Brown’s office and shared a moment with my mother that filled us both with pride.

Since that day, I’ve pursued a career in public service and media, carrying forward the inspiration she gave me. So much has changed since that warm day in Oakland—Kamala is now the Democratic nominee for President, yet the country feels more divided than ever. But despite the noise, I still believe in her vision for an America that’s bigger than all of us—a vision that embraces the impossible and turns it into reality.

The Backlash for Supporting Harris

When I express my support for VP Harris, I’m often met with skepticism, particularly from other men of color. They think my support comes from ideological loyalty, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Growing up in a single-parent home with limited resources, I learned early on that achieving big dreams wasn’t easy, especially for people who looked like me. It wasn’t until I was 17, when I witnessed the groundbreaking election of President Obama that I grew a sense of hope—a belief that America’s promise was within reach if I worked hard.

My support for Kamala Harris is rooted in that same spirit of optimism. She represents a path forward that values character, resilience, and a commitment to lifting everyone up. I’m not looking for a quick fix or short-term gain but for a long-term vision for America—one that doesn’t just serve the wealthy but builds opportunity for everyone.

I believe in an aspirational America, one that celebrates rags-to-riches stories and welcomes those who dream big. VP Harris’s background as a woman of color achieving firsts speaks to who we are and, more importantly, who we can be. That’s the America I believe in, and I believe Kamala Harris can help lead us there.”

It’s Not Just the Economy

America’s greatness isn’t just about financial gains—it’s about shared values of freedom, equality, and opportunity for all. Reducing our purpose to economic metrics risks losing what truly makes us exceptional.

Kamala Harris embodies this broader vision, advocating for a united America where every voice is valued and everyone has a fair shot. Supporting her isn’t just about immediate financial gains; it’s an investment in a future rooted in inclusion and opportunity.

A friend once dismissed concerns about racism, focusing only on the economy. As a business owner, I value economic stability, but ignoring systemic racism overlooks its deep impact on financial security. Racism isn’t just an attitude; it’s embedded in our systems, affecting housing, employment, and more.

Kamala Harris understands this link. Her policies reflect the need for reforms in criminal justice, housing, and education to create both economic opportunity and fairness.

The Biden-Harris administration has faced tough economic challenges but has prioritized American families, from record job growth to historic infrastructure investments. Kamala’s record shows her focus on affordable health care, infrastructure, and lowering prescription drug costs. Supporting her means backing a leader committed to an inclusive and prosperous America for all

 

Protecting Our Children and Communities from Gun Violence

I visited the White House’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention on March 4 to discuss the urgent need to address gun violence. This issue hits home for me—I lost my uncle to gun violence in 2001, a tragedy my family has never fully healed from. Growing up in neighborhoods where gunshots were common, I know firsthand the trauma this violence inflicts.

While I support the Second Amendment, I believe we need sensible gun safety measures. Children shouldn’t be growing up with gun drills as a norm, and it shouldn’t be so easy to access firearms that entire communities live in fear. Kamala Harris advocates for common-sense solutions that respect the rights of gun owners while prioritizing public safety. This isn’t about taking away rights; it’s about saving lives.

Borderline Scary

This past March, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin invited me to visit the Department of Defense. I saw the dedication of our military members, including many young Black men and women who serve with courage. Harris’s approach to national security respects this service. Unlike Trump, who has shown disrespect for our troops, Harris values their sacrifices and understands the importance of steady, strategic leadership.

In a world of complex threats, we need leaders who act with care and honor those who serve. Harris personifies this, showing that America’s role is as an economic powerhouse and a trusted global leader.

A Balanced Approach to Immigration

Conversations around immigration often reveal misconceptions, even within my community. While I agree that we need secure borders to protect jobs and public safety, there also needs to be a pathway to citizenship for those who come here legally and contribute. It was the hard work and dreams of immigrants that built America—we can’t lose that spirit.

Earlier this year, a bipartisan immigration bill that balanced security with a pathway to citizenship was blocked. Harris, however, understands the need for a nuanced approach that upholds our values and benefits us all. When people have the chance to come here legally and contribute, our entire society benefits.

A Vision for America

Looking back on that day in Oakland in 2017 when I met then-Senator Harris, I remember the optimism I felt—the belief that in America, even the impossible can become a reality.  A Jamaican and Indian girl from Oakland had become a U.S. Senator, then and now, I predict, our next President.

When I vote for Kamala Harris, I’m voting for an America that is bold, inclusive and aspirational—a country that leads with integrity, not fear, and an economy that serves everyone, not just the privileged. This choice isn’t just about policies; it’s about believing in a country that doesn’t shrink from its values but fully embraces them.

Kamala Harris represents a balance of strength and empathy, promoting stability for families and communities, not just quick gains for the wealthy. Supporting her is about building an America where compassion and resilience coexist.

I want an America that lives up to its promise, a beacon of justice and opportunity for all. That’s the America Kamala Harris embodies, and that’s why I’m proud to support her.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

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Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

 

 

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

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The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for connection, marking a significant step toward creating a more inclusive parenting community.

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org

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Election Night on The Yard at Howard University

Election Night on The Yard at Howard University

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